For immediate release: June 23, 2003
For more information, contact Laura M. Massie at 216-368-4442 or lmm25@po.cwru.edu

CLEVELAND—"We are gratified that the United States Supreme Court has upheld the fundamental principle of affirmative action. Case Western Reserve University is one of several private colleges and universities that filed an amicus curiae brief with the Court urging that race be considered a permissible factor in the admission of students. We'll obviously need to read the full opinion, but an initial review of the decisions suggests that Case Western Reserve University already complies with the position articulated by the Court.

"We must continue to value the richness that diverse thoughts, opinions, experiences, backgrounds and cultures bring to intellectual debate and discovery. Diversity remains a compelling interest that justifies the use of race as one factor among many in the admissions process. Case Western Reserve University and other colleges and universities are enriched when we admit and draw on the talents and experiences of individuals with diverse backgrounds.

"Universities and colleges in the U.S. also must continue to work with their community partners to stand down the unsupported assertion that diversity is at odds with excellence. In the increasingly competitive world of higher education, I believe that diversity is a fundamental requirement for excellence. To that end, Case Western Reserve University reaffirms its commitment to diversity and to working in every legal way to accomplish this within the new provisions set by the Court."

–CWRU–

 

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